What an experience! After nine years together, Nik and Robin are finally married!
I am so thrilled that I got to spend 3 amazing days with Robin, Nik and their loved ones. This wedding was not just about the bride and groom- but about their families joining and celebrating the love between these two.
Robin’s Mehndi party had a mixture of laughter, love, dancing, food, and art. The girls got their beautiful mehndi done, while Robin carefully hopped from room to room, trying not to smudge the intricate designs on her arms and legs. Friends and family gathered around the couple for the Haldi ceremony, singing and dancing, rubbing turmeric on the them, and tying sacred threads on their wrists for good luck. I even had a chance to have my own henna done!
Robin and her bridesmaids had a quiet, relaxed morning at the Hotel Grand Pacific. Robin had her hair and makeup done by Tracey Le while my assistant Kim Jay was off filming Nik getting ready at his home. It was so wonderful seeing Nik’s sister, Natalie’s reaction to the stunning bride. One of my favourite moments, as a creative type, was watching Seema and Natalie help Robin into her jewels and Chuda- so many sparkles!
Nik and Robin’s wedding was held at the beautiful Hatley Castle at Royal Roads University. While they didn’t get to have the ceremony outside due to rain, their spirits were still high and Robin got to do her dream walk through the Sunken Garden. Robin’s parents and Nik’s parents exchanged haars during the Milni ceremony, symbolizing their families uniting. We got to do a fun photo/video shoot outside of the castle, and in the gardens behind afterwards.
After lunch at the Olympic View Golf Course, we headed back to Robin’s house for the Doli ceremony, which marks the bride’s departure from her parental house. This was a very emotional part of the day and I feel lucky that I got to capture these moments for Nik and Robin.
Click here to see a unique moment captured by Jenna & Tristan
The newlyweds, photographers Jenna and Tristan, and I gathered in front of the Delta Ocean Pointe Resort for an evening photoshoot, with downtown Victoria as a background. The reception was held at the Sannich Fairgrounds, a great venue for large wedding receptions. I was so excited when I heard that Kuku’s was catering the reception- so good. As always, Jeremy Baker from Spin the Black Disc was awesome to work alongside! A big thanks to my assistant Alex Newton. Nik and Robin definitely threw a party to remember.
I truly believe it’s important for a couple to click with their photo and video people, as they are usually together the entire wedding day. I was really lucky to get to work beside Jenna and Tristan for 3 whole days. Their incredible photos speak for themselves- but they both really know how to make others feel comfortable and are overall just really nice people!
Nik and Robin’s wedding was my first experience with an Indian wedding. They always had complete faith in me and I was so happy with their reaction to the highlight video:
You are so talented and have captured the emotions of the people we love and beautiful moments between Nik and I so well. I LOVE how you caught Natalie’s anxiety/overwhelming happiness when we were getting ready in the morning and made sure to include my parents and Nik’s parents. So sneaky haha!!! But you really got that these Indian weddings are about the family, not just the bride and groom!!!
Cassie, we’re so thankful we found you. This wedding business is crazy and it’s so hard to find people that actually care about you. We felt like you cared and you wanted to be there for us, and that feeling is invaluable!
-Robin
It was a delight to spend so much time with Nik, Robin, and their family and friends- I wish the couple a lifetime of happiness!
Watch the highlight video below:
Robin & Nik {Wedding Highlights} from Cassie O’Neil on Vimeo.
Ceremony Venue: Hatley Castle at Royal Roads University
Reception Venue: Saanich Fairgrounds
Photography: Jenna and Tristan
DJ Services: Spin the Black Disc
Florist: Poppies Floral
Hair & Makeup: Tracey Le Artistry
Lunch Catering: Olympic View Golf Course
Reception catering: Kuku’s Fine East Indian Cuisine